by Doreen Martel

Created on: December 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 29, 2011

If you have decided to have an inexpensive Valentines Day dinner at home, there are some easy things you can do to create a romantic Valentines Day tablescape without spending a lot of extra money.  With a bit of creativity and very little time, you'll soon have a romantic Valentines Day tablescape.

♥  Lighting - To create the perfect Valentines Day tablescape you are going to need candles. You can stop at your local dollar store and select red, silver or gold candles and inexpensive candle holders if you do not have them.  Do not depend only on candles for your lighting. If you have a lamp or overhead light that is not too bright you will want to turn it on. Just think about eating an invisible meal - a soft light will help enhance the mood..

♥  Linens - Your table linens will go a long way in creating your Valentines Day tablescape. Let's face it, not many of us have a red tablecloth unless we had one for Christmas.  If you don't have a red tablecloth, try gold, silver or white to set a romantic Valentines Day tablescape. If you don't have a suitable color tablecloth consider running to a local thrift shop and picking up some seasonal place mats for your Valentines Day tablescape.

♥  Flatware - Don't lose the flow of the evening by having to start rummaging around for the right flatware for your Valentines Day dinner.  Set your table early in the evening and make sure you have (a) appetizer flatware; (b) dinner flatware; (c) coffee spoon and of course, don't forget (d) dessert fork or spoon depending on what you are serving.. 

♥  Glassware - The ideal Valentines Day tablescape requires that you have your glassware just right! If you are serving wine make sure you have the appropriate wine glasses (red or white). If you are not sure which wine glasses you should use you can elect to go for the stemless variety which can be attractive regardless of what you are serving. Do not forget a water glass filled with ice cubes and water along with a strawberry or raspberry adorning it (versus the traditional lime or lemon) to add color.

♥  Centerpiece - Your Valentines Day tablescape practically demands a centerpiece. There are some things to be careful of when selecting a centerpiece. You don't wait the centerpiece to interfere with seeing your special someone across the table. There are some inexpensive ideas for creating a perfect Valentines Day centerpiece without it being too tall.  First consider a container to hold whatever decorations you decide on.  A trifle dish is just about the right height as even with the pedestal it is not to tall.  You can use a number of things in a trifle dish that will create an attractive centerpiece, most of which can be purchased at any craft store or arts and crafts department.  Colored stones, foil hearts, artificial flowers or even marbles can create an attractive, low cost centerpiece.

Creating a romantic Valentines Day tablescape does not have to mean spending a lot of money or a lot of time. How you create a romantic Valentines Day tablescape is entirely up to you.  Your imagination is your only limitation.

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